Dino - der Bandit

I first viewed this movie as a teenager and immediately fell in love with Sal Mineo. I watched it every time it came on, even when it was late night. It is a simple story but a real heart warmer and tear jerker because of the crisis Dino goes through and the struggle he faces to be accepted. I wish that this movie would come on television again for the new generation to see and appreciate.

I hadn't seen Dino in over 20 years and seeing it again affected me personally. Sal Mineo's portrayal of Dino Minetta was unbelievably close to the mark of a friend I had and the issues he faced in his young life. Like Sal Mineo that friend is no longer with us.

I'm curious as to how much of the original cast from the Studio One version repeated here. Outstanding for me among the supporting cast was Joe DeSantis as Dino's father.

But the movie is really a tour de force for Sal Mineo. For all fans of Sal Mineo it should be required viewing.

This review is dedicated to the late Roy E. Gomez who left us way too young, just like Sal Mineo.